COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - The number of houses destroyed by a wildfire near Colorado Springs could grow to around 100, and the sheriff says unpredictable winds still make it a dangerous blaze.

Authorities initially estimated that between 40 and 60 houses were destroyed, but they are still surveying the damage. El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said Wednesday he believes around 80 have been lost and he wouldn't be surprised if the figure reaches or tops 100.

Maketa says there are no reports of anyone missing in the fire. However, he says some people stayed behind and he fears some may have died.

Around 7,000 people over 47 square miles have been evacuated by the Black Forest Fire, which started Tuesday.